Introduced for the first
time the name “Forte” replaced
“GLi” as a far more imaginitive
and less “fleet” orientated base model description.
Unfortunately the
grill of the Forte polarized emotions like never before -
you either loved it
or you hated it! As such many people
have
chosen to replace it with that of the Futura or Classic (Ute) - which
is a
pity as it really is an attractive grill if you give yourself time to
get over
the shock... The term “base model” hardly
really fits the
Forte (even though that is what it is) - to prove my point review the list
of
standard features and compare it to most four cylinder “base” models of
the time. - I think you’ll agree it stands
head and shoulders above
the rest. Available in both sedan and wagon, the Forte also became the
recipient of some interesting changes during it's short life as Series 1 so read
carefully!
Overhead Cam with roller rockers & roller cam followers.
Alloy head with direct heat detection sender on the back
of no.6 combustion chamber.
Stronger head studs with greater pull down tensions.
New two-piece head gasket to further aid in reducing
blown head gaskets.
Sequential fuel injection.
Dual resonance intake manifold for a better torque spread.
Serpentine accessory drive belt for quietness and
increased reliability.
Fail safe cooling (engine can literally run without coolant in it - theoretically
it is impossible to cook this engine due to loss of coolant). *This
feature un-available while running on LPG.
‘Smart start’ - prevents you from engaging the starter motor if the
engine is already running.
Structural sump for quieter operation and increased block
stiffness.
New alloy rocker cover for improved looks and quieter operation.
New stiffer and better balanced crankshaft for quieter
operation and less NVH.
Longer conrods for better fuel economy & better burn
control.
New short skirt anti-friction coated pistons for better
fuel economy.
Overall, a much sweeter and easier engine to rev than
ever before...
Engine Optional
#1:
5.0 litre V8.
175 kW @ 4600 rpm (up from 165 kW @ 4500 rpm in EL).
395 Nm @ 3200 rpm (up from 388 Nm @ 3000 rpm in EL).
Pushrod valve actuation.
Cast-iron heads.
Sequential fuel injection.
Serpentine accessory drive belt.
Pressed steel rocker covers and sump.
EngineOptional #2:
Factory fitted “Tickford” LPG conversion:
Including no loss in power.
Works with Distance to Empty calculator.
Integrated look to dash controls.
Uses standard fuel gauge for selected fuel.
Greater economy than most aftermarket units.
Cannot be fitted by dealer or aftermarket - only by Tickford on new
vehicle as delivered from factory.
Dealer fitted “Parnell” LPG conversion:
Some have commented it handles “dirty” gas better
than the Tickford unit.
Only a small power loss.
Costs less to install.
Can be fitted at any time by dealer or aftermarket.
No cost option of a 4 speed automatic with floor shift including
converter lock-up, electronic control and a overdrive 4th gear.
- Includes power and economy modes. *One of the smoothest shifting
gearboxes on the market at the time, this very same gearbox was used by
Maseratti on some earlier models.
Column shifted 4 speed auto option (same gearbox as above) available
with six seater option.
Wagon only available with auto (who ever made this decision deserves
to be shot!)
This steering has an incredibly accurate feel to it and only gets better
as you progress to the performance Falcons - unlike the VT Commodore’s
vague and unresponsive steering (if you could call it that). Do not
confuse the Commodore's lack of responsiveness combined with it's
under-engineered IRS for added stability!
Mounted via a “four link” suspension system with Watts link, on sedans
only.
Optional Multi-link Independent Rear Suspension on sedans.
Optional limited slip differential (NA with IRS option -
don't ask me why!).
Optional Tickford handling kit (includes front suspension) for all
body styles & suspension options.
Optional heavy duty coils and shock absorbers (for use with towing or
a gas conversion).
Standard “Wide Track” rear leave sprung live axil in wagon - smooth
riding with exceptional load carrying abilities and sag suppression (something that can’t be said about
the Commodore equivalent) - Surprisingly the wagon actually handles better than
the standard coil sprung standard
sedan equivalent!
All Falcons post 'AU Update' (April 99') were lowered 1” front and rear.
Smartlock system makes hotwiring difficult via electronic
engine immobilisation.
Post 'AU Update' vehicles include a special key with internal transponder as
well as better ignition lock shielding. This can be identified by a
fatter key pad as well as a recessed ignition lock / fatter 'eyebrow' above the
lock itself.
Central locking standard.
Lock button on driver's door only allowing less entry
points for the potential theif.
‘Smartlock’ remote keyless door and boot (tailgate) entry system.
Exceptionally bright headlights (30% brighter than the
EL's) - make the VT’s pale in comparison and exceptionally good to drive by.
Plastic shatter resistant lenses - no longer require headlight covers.
Silver painted headlight surrounds.
Orange front guard indicator repeater lenses.
Orange blinker lenses in tail lights (clear in Fairmont /
Fairmont Ghia).
Self fading interior light.
High mount rear stop light.
'Jeweled' tail lights finally included in the wagon
(first introduced to the EF sedan of 1994).
The AU Forte benefits from the same race stiffened body shell as the
XR8 that is so suitably used for the V8 supercar series.
Bake hardened steel used in all external surfaces - means a lighter
body shell while being more resistant to shopping trolley dints than the
model it replaces.
Body kit available as an option - uses the rear spoiler (single deck),
side & rear skirts as well as front air dam extension -overall very
attractive and well suited to the AU’s shape. Much wilder than the
VT’s Hyundai imitation.
More aerodynamic than VT.
“New Edge” styling has an added practical feature - sharp corners add strength
and rigidity to panels, further resisting low speed impacts.
Boot hinges do not intrude into boot space allowing you more room to
pack the goodies in as well as a lessened chance of damaging packed items...
“Blocker” steel bar welded across front of the radiator to help prevent
damage in low speed impacts (therefore cheaper repairs).
Exterior (mm)
Front track
Rear track
Front overhang
Rear overhang
Interior (mm)
Front headroom
Front legroom
Front Shoulder Room
Front hiproom
Rear headroom
Rear legroom
Rear shoulder room General
Kerb weight (kg) **
Luggage capacity (L)
Minimum turning circle (m)
- diameter, kerb to kerb.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Petrol (litres)
LPG (litres)
Sedan
1566
1547
918
1197
991
1081
1523
1482
978
986
1517
1515
512
10.9
Sedan
68
68
Wagon
1566
1547
918
1219
991
1081
1523
1482
1043
986
1517
1581
1254 (a) / 2584 (b)
11.3
Wagon
68
68
*Optional Ford Sunroof reduces available headroom by approximately 40mm when fitted - only
available on sedans only (after market units may be fitted to the wagon).
**Approximate kerb weight for a Falcon Forte fitted with 4.0 litre Intech, SOHC
engine and 4 speed automatic transmission (Including air conditioning).
(a) With rear seats upright.
(b) With rear seats folded down.
